Sheet feeding apparatus



1951 BAKER EI'AL 2,564,417

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 26, 1945 5 Sheetg-Sheet 1 90 92 y {5 r" 7 q 45 "(a IN V EN TORS. Mal/La flail/L ATTORNEY.

Aug. 14, 1951 L. BAKER EI'AL 2,564,417

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 26, 1945 5 Shee ts-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. 10.9 //0 .1 I ma. [3am m2 Jaljwdam [00 //4 08% (16? 6% m5 ATTORNEY.

Aug. 14, 1951 BAKER EI'AL 2,564,417

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 26, 1945 :5 Sheets-Sheet s ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 14, 1951 SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Leonard Baker, Hillsdale, N. J., and Walter E. Schneider, Pearl River, N. Y., assignors to Dexter Folder Company, Pearl River, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application September 26, 1945, Serial No. 618,634

4 Claims. (Cl. 271-32) 1 This invention relates to sheet feeding apparatus and more particularly to sheet feeders of the type wherein the sheets are fed one after another from a supply of sheets standing onedge, as distinguished from feeding such sheets from either the top or bottom of a pile thereof.

The sheet feeder of the present invention, while capable of feeding plain sheets of paper, thin cardboard or other relatively flexible material to a printing machine or other instrumentality associated therewith, is particularly adapted for embodiment in signature handling machines,

supply of sheets or signatures on said feeder may be quickly and easily replenished at the rear thereof, whereby feeding of said sheets or signatures from the front of said supply may continue uninterruptedly and a high output of fed sheets or signatures may be obtained.

Another object is to provide a novel method and means for facilitating withdrawal of sheets or signatures successively from the front of a supply thereof standing on-edge and inclined in a forward direction.

Another object is to provide in a sheet feeder of the above character a novel method and means for materially reducing or substantially eliminating the drag or resistance of the forwardly inclined supply of on-edge sheets or signatures on the foremost sheet or signature upon withdrawal of the latter from said supply.

A further object is to provide in a sheet feeder of the above character novel means for supporting the sheet or signature supply in forwardly inclined position and for conditioning said supply prior to withdrawal of each sheet or signature from the front thereof whereby each sheet or signature is relieved of all drag and resistance thereon to facilitate withdrawal thereof and at the same time prevent displacement of the next or succeeding sheet or signature.

A still further object is to provide suction means of novel construction and operation for separating an edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature from a supply thereof disposed in on-edge position and for moving said portion into position for action thereon of sheet withdrawing means.

Another object is to provide novel suction separating means so constructed and operated that proper engagement and accurate separation of the successive sheets or signatures from the supply is assured at high speeds.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will more fully appear from the following detail description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference for this latter purpose being had primarily to the appended claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views,

Fig. 1 is a side view of one of the units or sections of a signature insetting machine embodying feeding apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with the present invention, said view being taken looking from the right of Fig. 2 with the near side frame member removed, the transverse shafts and certain parts being shown in section;

Fig. 2 is an end view, looking from the left of Fig. 1, of said unit or section with certain of the parts being omitted and certain other parts having portions thereof broken away for purposes of clearer illustration;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but on a larger scale and of the upper part only of said unit or section with parts omitted for purposes of clearer illustration, and showing the supply moving mechanism and control means therefor, and certain parts in the positions they occupy when a sheet or signature is being separated and withdrawn from the supply;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the supply moving mechanism and control means therefor shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail side view, partly in section, of one of the suction sheet or signature separating devices shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3; and

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail side view, partly in section, of the valve shown in Figs. 1 and 2 for controlling the operation of the suction sheet or signature separating devices.

Referring to the drawings, the novel sheet the main drive shaft 2| of the machine.

feeder of the present invention is herein illusknown as signatures are automatically and progressively fed from a series of aligned stacks, opened and deposited in open condition one upon another on a saddle-type conveyor for subsequent stitching operations to form a complete book or magazine. The signatures handled in the machine are preferably .of the extended laptype to facilitate opening and depositing of the same on the saddle conveyor. For the sake of simplicit and brevity in illustrating and describing the present invention, and since all of the units or sections of the signature insetting machine are identical, only one of said units is shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the novel sheet feeder may also be embodied in other signature handling machines, such as. fiat gathering machines wherein the signatures are gathered one upon another unopened and subsequently stitched together to form a complete book or magazine, or may be employed in association with a printing press or other instrumentality for feeding plain sheets of paper, thin cardboard or other relatively flexible material to said press or instrumentality.

In theparticular embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, l and II indicate plate-like side frame members of the insetting machine unit or section on which are mounted the various parts of said unit including the component parts of the feeder. Frame members I!) and II are bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the machine foundation, and are connected together at the top and rear thereof by cross shafts l2, l3 and I4 suitably secured thereto, and at the front thereof by cross shafts l5, l6, l1 and is suitably secured thereto.

The various movable parts of the insetting machine unit including the movable parts of the feeder are driven from any suitable source of power (not shown) by a sprocket chain l9 (Fig. 2) which passes around a sprocket 20 fixed on Shaft 2| extends transversely of the machine and is journalled in suitable bearings on the frame members IO, N. Fixed on shaft 2| and disposed between frame members It and is a spur pinion 22 which meshes with an idler spur gear 23 that is journalled on a stud 24 fixed in frame member II and projecting inwardly therefrom to receive said idler gear (Figs. 1 and-2). Secured to or formed integrally with gear 23 is a spur pinion 25 which meshes with a spur gear 26 that is fixed on and drives a transversely extending shaft 21 journalled in suitable bearings on frame members 1,.

Gear 26 meshes with an idler spur gear 23 that is journalled on a stud 29 fixed in frame member II and projecting inwardly therefrom to receive said idler gear. The latter meshes with a spur gear 30 that is fixed on and drives a transversely extending shaft 3| journalled in suitable bearings on frame members in, H. Shafts 21 and 3| are disposed in direct vertical alignment and may be termed the lower cylinder and cam shaft and the upper cylinder and cam shaft, respectively. The hereinbefore described gearing is so proportioned that shafts 2'! and 3| each will be rotated one-half of a revolution for each cycle of operation of the insetting machine unit whereby two sheets or signatures "will be handled, as hereinafter described, for each complete revolution of said shafts.

The sheets or signatures to be handled are stacked in the feeder one behind another standing on-edgeand inclined forwardly 'orin the feeding direction. Thus, the necessity of providing a rear abutment.- or pusher for supporting the sheet or signature supply is eliminated, and sheets or signatures may be easily and conveniently added to the rear of said supply to replenish the latter whenever necessary and while sheets or signatures are being fed one after another from the front thereof. When signatures are handled, as in the illustrated embodi ment, said signatures are preferably stacked in the feeder with their folded or closed edges at the bottom. As shown, the forwardly inclined supply of on-edge sheets or signatures 32 is supported in a hopper comprising a plurality of transversely spaced bottom slats or fingers 33 (Figs. 1 and 4) which are inclined in the direction of shaft 3| and are adapted to receive and support the on-edge sheets or signatures placed thereon by the operator from a sheet or signature loading box 34 that is suitably supported on frame members H], H. In the illustrated embodiment. the angle of inclination of slats 33 is substantially25 from the horizontal. Slats 33 are adjustably clamped, as by clamping blocks 35, to a transversely extending bar 36 which is disposed at the same angle of inclination as said slats and is bolted at opposite ends thereof to side brackets 31 and 38 that are bolted to the inner surfaces of frame members l0, M, respectively (Figs. 1, 3, and 4).

Novel means are provided for supporting the supply of on-edge sheets or signatures 32 in forwardly inclined position, said means also acting to condition said supply prior to withdrawal of each sheet or signature from the front thereof whereby each sheet or signature is relieved of the pressure of the supply thereon during withdrawal thereof, thus materially reducing or practically eliminating all the frictional drag or resistance on the foremost sheet or signature so that the latter may be easily withdrawn from said supply and without displacing the next or succeeding sheet or signature. As herein shown, said supply supporting and conditioning means comprise a plurality of vertically extending, transversely spaced members 39, four being shown, (Figs. -1, 2, and 3) which are-arranged at the front of the feeder and disposed substantially at right. angles to slats 33. Members 39 which may be conveniently referred to as the sheet or signature supply front abutments and pushers, are of a length such that they extend a short distance above the maximum size sheet or signature to be handled in the feeder, and downwardly for a major portion of the length of said sheet or signature, leaving a small space between the lower ends thereof and slats 33 so that the lower marginal edge portion of each successive front sheet or signature may be separated from the supply by suction separating devicesto be hereinafter described. Although four pushers 39 are preferably provided, it will be understood that this number may be varied as desired, and that the intermediate pushers may be eliminated by bridging the two outer pushers with one or more thin plates of the proper length and securing said plates to said outer pushers.

Pushers 39 are engaged over a square cross bar 40 (Figs. 1, 2, and 3) and are held against tion of plates 4!. Bar 40 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured at its opposite ends to the free rear ends of a pair of horizontal links 42. Pivotally connected at 43 with links 42 are the lower ends of arms 44 which extend upwardly from said links and are loosely mounted adjacent frame members III, II on a transversely extending rock shaft 45 journalled in suitable bearings on said frame members. Pivotally connected at 46 (Fig. 3) with th forward free end of one of the links 42 is the lower end of a similar arm 41 (Figs. 2 and 3) which extends upwardly from said link in parallel relation with arm 44 and is keyed or otherwise suitably fixed adjacent frame member I I to a transversely extending rock shaft 48 journailed in suitable bearings on frame members H), H. Keyed or otherwise suitably fixed on rock shaft 48 adjacent frame member I is a bell crank lever 49 (Figs. 1 and 2) having a rearwardly extending arm 50 and a downwardly extending arm 51, the latter arm being similar to arms 44 and 41 and having its lower free end pivotally connected at 52 with the forward free end of the other link 42. Thus, bar 40 and pushers 39 carried thereby, upon rocking of shaft 48, will have a substantially straight-line reciprocating motion imparted thereto by the described parallelogram system of arms 44, 44, 41, and horizontal links 42, 42.

Pivotally connected at 53 (Figs. 1 and 2) with the free end of arm 50 of bell crank 49 is the upper end of a connecting rod 54 which extends downwardly through the bifurcated end of a stud 55 secured in any suitable manner in the adjacent frame member ID and projecting inwardly therefrom to receive said rod. The lower end of rod 54 is pivotally connected at 55 with a cam lever 51 that is loosely mounted on the tie shaft 16 adjacent frame member ID. J ournalled at 58 on lever 51 is a roller 59 which engages a double cam 60 that is fixed on and rotated by shaft 3| whereby said lever will be rocked once upon each half revolution of said shaft for each cycle of operation of the insetting machine unit. Roller 59 is maintained in engagement with cam 60 by a coil push spring 6| surrounding rod 54 and disposed between stud 55 and a collar 62 adjustably secured on said rod. Lever 51 is thus raised by cam 60 and lowered by spring Bi once during each cycle of operation of the feeder to rotate shaft 48 in opposite directions whereby pushers 39 are moved inwardly by said cam to their full line position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and then moved outwardly by said spring to their normal dotted line position shown in Fig. 3.

When pushers 39 are moved inwardly as described, pressure is applied rearwardly by said pushers on the front'of the supply of on-edge sheets or signatures 32 and consequently the front portion of said supply is compressed, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and the foremost sheet or signature of said supply is moved rearwardly a short distance from its normal position. It will be noted that when the front portion of the supply of on-edge sheets or signatures is compressed as aforesaid, no rearward movement will be imparted to the lower marginal edge portions of the sheets or signatures, thus maintaining said portion of the foremost sheet or signature in proper position for action thereon of separating devices to be hereinafter described. When pushers 39 are moved outwardly as described, the pressure on the front of the sheet or signature supply is released whereupon the compressed portion of said supply expands and the sheets or signatures return to their original normal position.

The contour of cam 60 is so designed that the aforesaid outward movement of pushers 39 by spring 6| occurs rapidly or-with a snap action with the result that the foremost sheet or signature of the supply 32 is momentarily unsupported by the pushers and not pressed against said pushers by the sheets or signatures at the rear thereof. It is during this momentary non-support of the foremost sheet or signature that the latter is withdrawn-from the supply as hereinafter described. Thus, upon "withdrawal of each foremost sheet or signature from the supply, said sheet or signature is entirely free of the pressure of the supply thereon and is relieved of all drag and resistance of the supply and pushers thereon, thereby greatly facilitating the withdrawal of each foremost sheet or signature from the supply and without displacing the next or succeeding sheet or signature.

Prior to withdrawal of each foremost sheet or signature from the supply 32, a marginal edge portion thereof, i. e. the lower marginal edg'e portion in the illustrated embodiment, is separated from the supply and moved into position for action thereon of the withdrawing means so that withdrawal of said sheet or signature only and only one sheet or signature at a time from the supply is assured. This separation of the marginal edge portion of the sheet or signature is, in accordance with the present invention, effected by novel suction sheet or signature separating devices four of which are herein shown and carried by the four pushers 39, there bein one suction device carried by each pusher. It is to be understood that the number of suction devices employed may be varied as desired. Since the constructions of thefour suction sheet or signature separating devices are identical a description of one will sufiice for all of the same.

Each suction sheet or signature separating device is preferably constructed, mounted and operated as follows. Pivotally connected at 63 (Fig. 3) with each pusher 39 adjacent the lower end and at opposite sides thereof are corresponding ends of a pair of spaced links 64 (Figs. 1, 2, and 3). Links 64 extend forwardly from each pusher 39 and have their opposite ends pivotally connected at 65 with the upper portion 66 of a sucker housing 61 adjacent the rear end and at opposite sides thereof (Figs. 3 and 5). Housing 67 is provided in the bore 68 thereof with an annular chamber 59 formed by the front and rear ends of two axially spaced bushings l0 and H. Slidably mounted in bushings 79, l I and projecting beyond opposite ends of housing 61 is a sucker stem 12 provided with a central bore 13 extending part way therealong and openin outwardly through the rear end thereof. Fixed on the rearwardly projecting end of stem 72 is a rubber suction cup '14 provided with a duct in communication with said cup and with the bore 13 in said stem. Stem 12 is further provided adjacent the closed end of bore 13 therein with a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced openings 15 whereby communication is established between bore 13 and chamber 69. v

Surrounding the rearwardly projecting end of stem 12 and disposed between housing 61 and a collar 16 adjustably secured to said stem, isa light coil spring 11 (Fig. 5) that provides for 7 thereby compensating for variations in the location of the foremost sheet or signature and enabling suction cup 14 to be completely sealed by said sheet or signature without applying any appreciable pressure thereon. Displacement of stem I 12 from housing 81 is prevented by a stop-collar l8 adjustably secured to the forwardly projecting end of said stem and adapted to engage the adfull line position A, whereupon the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature engaged and gripped by the suction cups 14 is moved away from the supplyv to a predetermined point and positioned, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, in the path of movement of withdrawing means to be hereinafter described.

jacent end of said housing, said collar also serving to control the normal operating position of stem 12 and cup 14, as shown in Fig. 5 so that the openings 15in said stem are in communication with chamber 69 in housing 81. It will be'noted that the openings 15 in stem I2 allOW the latter to yield axially an appreciable distance relative to housing 61 without interrupting the communication between chamber 88 and the bore I3 in said stem.

Pivotally connected at 65 with each sucker housing 61 and disposed between links 64 is the lower end of a connecting link 19, the portion 86 of said housing being slotted to receive said link (Figs. 1, 3 and 5). Link 19 extends upwardly from housing 61 and has its upper end pivotally connected at 80 (Fig. 3) with an arm 8| that is keyed or otherwise suitably fixed on rock shaft 45. Pivotally connected at 82 with arm 8| and spaced forwardly of the pivotal connection 80 for link 19; is the upper end of a second link 83 which extends downwardly from said arm and has its lower end pivotally connected at 84 with sucker housing 81 adjacent the forward end thereof. Links 19, 83 of each separating device 81 are guided for vertical movement by a pair of spaced bars 85 which are bolted or otherwise suitably securedto opposite sides of each pusher 39 and extend forwardly therefrom to receive said links.

It will thus appear that by reason of the location of the pivotal connections 80 and 82 in arms 8| at different radial distances from the axis of rotation of shaft 45, the connecting links 83 have imparted thereto a movement of greater extent than that imparted to connecting links 19. Under these conditions, when arms 8| are swung downwardly by shaft 45 from the position shown in, Fig. 3, each sucker housing 61 is swung in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 3) about pivot 83 by connecting link 19, and counter-clockwise about pivot 65 by connecting link 83. These pivotal movements combined result in swinging of each sucker housing 61 toward the supply of sheets or signatures 32 to engage each suction cup 14 with the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature at spaced points therealong, and in positioning each housing so that each sucker stem 12 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane of the supply and the mouth of each suction cup 14 is substantially parallel with the exposed surface of the foremost sheet or signature, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, position B. In this manner, each successive foremost sheet or signature is properly engaged by the suction cups 14 in the position it occupies at the time of such engagement, thereby insuring a perfect seal of said cups on each sheet or signature to effectively grip and accurately separate the same from the supply at high speeds. When arms 8| are swung upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3, each sucker housing 81 is swung in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3) simultaneously about the spaced pivots 83, 84 to the,

- housings.

Rocking motion is imparted to shaft 45 from shaft 3| to lower and raise arms 8| once during each cycle of operation of the feeder and for this purpose, shaft 3| has fixed thereon adjacent gear 30 a double cam 86 (Figs. 1 and 2) which engages a roller 81 journalled at 88 on a-lever 89 that is loosely mounted on tie shaft I6 adjacent frame member Roller 81 is maintained in engagement with cam 88 by a springpressed rod 98 which is pivotally connected at 9| with lever 89 and extends upwardly therefrom through a post 92 that is secured in any suitable manner in frame member II and projects inwardly therefrom to receive said rod. The spring 93 for rod surrounds the latter between post 92 and a collar 94 adjustably secured on said rod. Pivotally connected at 95 with the free end of lever 89 is the lower end of a connecting rod 98 the upper end of which is pivotally connected at 9'! with the free end of an arm 98 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) that is keyed or otherwise suitably fixed on shaft 45. Lever 89 is thus raised by cam 86 and lowered by spring 93 to rotate shaft 45 in opposite directions whereby sucker housings 61 are swung rearwardly toward the signature supply and positioned as described by said spring, and are swung forwardly away from said supply and positioned as described by said cam.

Suitable valve means are provided for controlling the making and breaking of vacuum at predetermined intervais in the sucker housings 81, sucker stems I2 and suction cups l4, and as herein shown said valve means preferably comprises a valve, housing 99 (Figs. 1, 2, and 6) which is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the inner side of frame member ID. Housing 99 is formed in the bore I08 thereof with three axially and equally spaced annular chambers |0|, I02, and I03, and with a relief port |04 communicating with chamber I03 and opening outwardly to atmosphere through opposite sides of said housing (Fig. 6). Connected with housing 99 and communicating with chamber |0| therein is one end of a flexible conduit I05 the opposite end of which is connected with a vacuum pump (not shown) or other suitable source of vacuum. Connected with housing 99 and communicating with chamber 12 therein is one end of a short flexible conduit I86 the opposite end of which is connected with a transversely extending rigid conduit or pipe I01 that is closed at both ends and secured in any suitable manner in frame members H), H. Connected with pipe I81 are corresponding ends of a plurality of flexible conduits I08 (Figs. 1 and 5), four in the present instance, the opposite ends of which are connected with the sucker housing 81 and communicate with the chambers 69 in said Suitable pet-cocks or shut-off valves may be disposed between conduit I81 and conduits I08 whereby the amount of vacuum may be varied to suit different grades of stock, and

whereby one or more of the suction devices 81 may be rendered imperative at will, such as, the outer suction devices which need not be employed when handling a. small size sheet or signature.

cam lever III (Fig. l). Lever H is pivotally mounted on a stud .I I0 secured in any suitable manner in frame member I0, and said lever has iournalled thereon at IIO a roller III which ena,ee4,417

gages a double cam IIO fixed on and rotated by shaft 3|. Roller III is maintained in engagement with cam III by a spring-pressed rod IIO having one end pivotally connected at. "0 with lever I I0 and the opposite end guided in a suitable opening formed in a .post' I2I securemin any suitable manner in frame member I0 and proiecting inwardly therefrom to receive said rod.

The spring I22 for'rod IIO- encircles the latterv upon the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is bent forwardly away from said supply about the lower ends of pushers 33 and brought to a definite angular position, as shown in Fig. 3, for action thereon of withdrawing means to be presently described. Bending of the lower marginal edge portion of the'foremost sheet or signature as aforesaid is preferably effected about a pair of anti-friction rollers I24 (Fig. 3) journalled at I20 on opposite sides and adjacent the lower end of each pusher 00, said rollers serving to further facilitate withdrawal of each sheet or signature from the supply.

The separated lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is then gripp d by the withdrawing means and simultaneously with said gripping, the pushers are moved rapidly outward as hereinbefore described and the suction cups II are released from the .sheet or signature by opening said cups to atmosphere through movement of valve I00 to the broken line position shown in Fig. '6, as hereinbefore described, whereupon the foremostsheet or signature released by cups "II and relieved of the pressure of the supply and all frictional drag and resistance thereon as hereinbefore described is will be in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 6

wherein it will be noted that chamber MI is in communication with chamber I02 through the reduced portion H0 01' said valve and bore I00; and that chamber I03 and relief port I00 are closed to chamber I02 by the large portion of valve I00. Under these conditions vacuum supply conduit I05 will be connected with conduits I00, I01 and, hence, vacuum will be created in suction cups. 10 through conduits I08, chambers 09 in sucker housings 01, and openings II in sucker stems 12, to cause the sheet or signature engaged by said cups to adhere thereto.

When roller III is in the low part of cam II8 upon continued rotation thereof, valve I09 isv moved to the broken line position shown in Fig. 6 wherein it will be noted that chamber I03 is placed in communication with chamber I02 through the reduced portion IIO of said valve and bore I00; and that chamber IN and vacuum supply line I05 are closed to chamber I02 by the large portion of valve I00. Under these I conditions, vacuum will be broken in valve housnature supply is held in compressed condition,

the suction devices 01 are swung rearwardly toward the supply. position B, Fig. 3, to engage the suction cups I0 with the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature in the manner hereinbefore described. During this rearward movement of suction devices 01, valve In is moved to the mu line position shown in Fig. 6 by the described means for this purpose, whereupon vacuum is created in suction cups I0 causing the latter to gripthe foremost sheet or signature engaged thereby. Suction devices 01 are then swung forwardly to position A, Fig. '3, as hereinbefore described, while the supply 32 is still being compressed by pushers 02, wherecompletely withdrawn from the supply by the withdrawing means. The above .operations of the pushers 3 0 and suction devices 01 are repeated in the order described for each successive sheet or signature. whereby the sheets or signatures are rapidly and automatically separated I and'withdrawn one after another from the front of the supply 32 without interruption so long as said supply is replenished at the rear thereof with additional sheets or signatures and there are sheets or signatures in the hopper.

Any suitable withdrawing means of known design such as, for example, oscillating mechanical gripper-type arms or segments, may be employed for withdrawing the sheets or signatures from the supply 32, but that herein illustrated and preferably employed is in the form of a continuously rotatable mechanical gripper-type cylinder or drum indicated generally at I26 which is fixed on and rotated by shaft BI and of a diameter so that two sheets or signatures may be withdrawn thereby from the supply 32 upon each complete revolution thereof as well understood in the art. Cylinder I20 is preferably of skeleton construction consisting of two transversely spaced disks I2I (Figs. 1, 2, and 3) each having pivotally mounted thereon at I20 two diametrically opposed grippers I29 which cooperatewith gripper pads or seats I30 that are secured to or formed integrally with said disks adjacent the peripheries thereof. Grippers I29 are closed and opened at predetermined intervals as the drum I26 rotates to grip the separated marginal portion of each sheet or signature, completely withdraw the latter from the supply and thereafter release said sheet or signature for further handling thereof. Closing and opening of grippers I20 is effected in knownmanner by spring and cam actions, respectively, and by known mechanisms which comprise spring-pressed gear segments (not shown) that are pivotally mounted on each disk I21 and mesh with pinions I3I which are secured to or formed integrally with grippers I29, said gear segments being rocked under the control of fixed cams (not shown) surrounding shaft 3| and held against rotation by f Grippers I20 when open are disposed inside the periphery of drum I20, as shown in Figs. 1

and 3, and as'said drum rotates in the direction of the arrow and a transversely aligned set of open grippers move a short distance beyond withdrawing position, said grippers close against their seats I30, whereupon the previously separated lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is tightly gripped between the grippers and seats at two transversely spaced points and said sheet or signature is completely withdrawn from the supply 32 in a downward and forward direction.

It will be noted that when the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is separated from the supply 32 by suction devices 61 and the latter are moved to the position A, Fig. 3, in effecting said separation, said portion of the sheet or signature will be positioned substantially tangent to the periphery of drum I26, thus insuring engagement of said sheet or signature by grippers I29. It will also be noted that when pushers 39 are moved outwardly after the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is separated from the supply. as hereinbefore described, to release the compressed supply and the foremost sheet or signature for extraction therefrom by grippers I29, the suction devices 61 by reason of their connection with said pushers are swung by the latter further outwardly to the position 0, Fig. 3, with the result that the suction cups 14 are drawn inside the periphery of drum I26 and clear of each sheet or signature while the latter is extracted from the supply by grippers I29. Thu s, suction cups 14 are relieved of any rubbing action thereon by the sheets or signatures during withdrawal thereof which would wear the faces of said cups within a short period and, hence, require frequent replacement of said cups.

In order to maintain each sheet or signature in engagement with drum I26 during downward and forward movement thereof, a plurality of transversely spaced curved guide fingers I32 are provided, said guide fingers being adjustably clamped to a transverse bar I33 which is bolted at its opposite ends to the brackets 31 and 36. Each sheet or signature extracted from supply 32 is carried by grippers I29 and drum I26 to a predetermined .point where said grippers are opened and said sheet or signature is released for further handling thereof.

As the sheets or signatures are separated and extracted one after another from the front of the supply 32, the latter is intermittently advanced by mechanism to be presently described which is controlled by novelmeans so that the front of the bar 36. belts I36 may be tightened as desired.

Belts I36 are so located that the upper reaches thereof are substantially in the same plane or slightly higher than the upper surfaces of fingers 33, and are provided throughout the length thereof with spacedproiections or buttons I43 to supply is maintained at a predetermined position for operation of the separating devices 61 thereon. As shown particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, said supply moving mechanism and control means therefor are preferably constructed, mounted and operated as follows. Extending transversely of the sheet or signature hopper and journalled in suitable bearings in the brackets 31 and 36 is a shaft I34 having keyed or otherwise suitably fixed thereon a plurality of pulleys I35 which project upwardly into the spaces between the bottom fingers 33. Pulleys I35 are suitably grooved to receive the front portions of endless belts I36, preferably V-belts, which extend rearwardly from said pulleys and pass around suitably grooved idler pulleys I31. The latter are journalled at I38 on arms I39 which are adjustably secured to bar 36 by bolts I40 that pass through slots I H in said arms and are threaded in said bar. Disposed between arms I39 and bar obtain increased traction on the sheets or signatures and to prevent the rearmost sheets or signatures of the supply from sliding downwardly and rearwardly out of upright position.

During normal operation of the feeder, shaft I34 is operated intermittently to rotate pulleys I35 and belts I36 and advance the supply 32 at suitable intervals in the direction of pushers 39.

This intermittent operation of shaft I34 is effected by pawl and ratchet mechanism preferably constructed, mounted and operated as follows. Secured to and rotated by shaft 21 is a double cam I 44 (Figs. 1 and 2) which engages ,a roller I45 journalled at I46 on a lever I41. The latter is pivotally mounted on a stud I46 secured in any suitable manner in frame member I0 and projecting inwardly therefrom to receive said lever. Roller I45 is maintained in engagement with cam I44 by a spring-pressed rod I49 having one end pivotally connected at I50 with lever I41 and the opposite end guided in a suitable opening formed in a post I5I secured in any suitable manner in frame member I0. The spring I52 for rod I49 encircles the latter between post I5I and a collar I53 adjustably secured to said rod.

Pivotally connected at I54 with lever I41 is the lower end of a connecting rod I55 (Figs. 1 and 3) the upper end of which is pivotally connected at I56 with a reciprocated pawl carrier I51 (Figs. 3 and 4) Pawl carrier I51 is loosely mounted for oscillation on the hub I58 of a ratchet I59 which is keyed or otherwise suitably secured to shaft I34 adjacent bracket 31. Pawl carrier I51 has pivoted thereon at I60 a spring-pressed pawl I6I which continuously engages the teeth of ratchet I59. Thus, through oscillation of pawl carrier I51 by cam I44 and spring I52, and engagement of the oscillating pawl I6I with ratchet I59, shaft I 34 will be intermittently rotated and thus impart step by step forward movement to belts I36 and supply of sheets or signatures 32.

As the sheets or signatures are fed from the front of the supply 32 by the described separating and withdrawing devices the belts I 36 and supply of sheets or signatures are advanced intermittently by the described pawl and ratchet mechanism, and in order to keep the front of the supply at a predetermined position for action thereon of the separating devices 61 the intermittent operation of the pawl and ratchet mechanism is controlled by novel means preferably constructed, mounted and operated as follows. Extending transversely of the sheet or signature hopper at .the front thereof and joumalled in suitable bearings in brackets 31 and 38 is a shaft I62 having suitably fixed thereon a plurality of transversely spaced fingers I63 (Figs. 3 and 4). These fingers I63 project upwardly from shaft I62 between slats 33 into the path of forward movement of the supply 32 to be engaged by the latter at a plurality of points along the lower transverse edge thereof. When the front of the supply 32 is in proper feeding position, the sheet or l3 signature contacting surfaces of fingers I63 are disposed substantially in vertical alignment with the contacting surfaces of pushers 39 when the latter are in their normal outward position shown in broken lines .in Fig. 3. Fingers I63 yieldingly engage the front of the supply 32 and are urged toward the latter by a light pull spring I64 having one end connected with a small lever I65 secured to shaft I 62 and the opposite end connected with a pin I66 secured in a bracket I61. The latter is fixed on a short pin I68 which is secured in any suitable manner in bracket 31 and projects inwardly therefrom to receive bracket I61.

.Secured to shaft I62 or formed integrally with lever I65 as shown in Fig. 3 is a downwardly projecting arm I69 which is arranged to engage an abutment in the form of a screw Ithat is adjustably threaded in a lever HI and locked inadjusted positions by a lock nut I12. Lever I II is loosely mounted on pin I68 between brackets 31 and I61 and is formed with two angularly related portions I13 and I14 (Fig. 3) that are adapted to engage corresponding sides of bar I33 to limit the extent of pivotal movement of" said lever in opposite directions.

Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to lever IN is at latch I15 (Figs. 3 and 4) which is adapted to normally engage a latch plate I16 that is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to pawl carrier I 51 at the side thereof opposite that carrying pawl I6I. Latch I15 is biased towards latch plate I16 by a light pull spring I11 having one end connected with a pin I18 (Fig. 4) secured in lever HI and the opposite end connected with a pin I19 secured in bracket I61. Engagcment of latch I15 with plate I16 holds pawl carrier I51 at the end of its power stroke as shown in Fig. 3, thus preventing roller I45 on lever I41 from following the low part of cam I44 and operation of said lever by spring I52 to return said pawl carrier and engage pawl I6I with the next tooth on ratchet I59. Latch I15 is so arranged that it is actually engaged by plate I16 after a slight return movement of pawl carrier I51 so that upon engagement of the high part of cam I44'with roller I45 in each cycle of operation a slight downward movement will be imparted to plate I16 to free latch I15 whereby the latter may easily be moved as hereinafter described to release pawl carrier I51 for return movement.

When the front of the supply of sheets or signatures 32 is at the proper feeding position, the feeler fingers I63 are held by said supply in the position shown in Fig. 3 and, hence, arm I69 is prevented from swinging lever IN to release latch I15 and enable operation of pawl carrier I51. Thus, no movement will be imparted to feed belts I36 and the supply of sheets or signatures 32 will remain at rest. As sheets or s gnatures are fed one after another from the front of the supply, the feeler fingers I63 will gradually move rearwardly under the action of spring I64, with a corresponding forward movement of arm I69, so that when a sufiicient number of sheets or signatures have been so fed, said arm will swing lever I1I through engagement with abutment I10 against the tension of spring I11 and disengage latc'h I 15 from plate I16. Shaft I34 is then intermittently rotated through engagement of pawl I6I with ratchet I59 and oscillation of the released pawl carrier I51 upon continued rotation of cam I44, thus advancing belts I36 and the supply of sheets or signatures 32 step by step until the front of the supply is at the proper feeding position. As the supply thus ad vances, the fingers I83 are moved forwardly by the supply, thus swinging arm I68 rearwardly away from abutment I18. spring I11 then acts to swing lever I1I rearwardly so that latch I15 is again moved into the path of return movement of pawl carrier I51, thereby preventing further operation of the pawl, and ratchet mechanism until advancement of the supply is again necessary at which time said supply will again be advanced as previously described.

When the lower marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet or signature is separated from the supply 32 by the separating devices 61, said portion is drawn past the fingers I63 which yield with the separated portion and then snap back 'into engagement with the next or succeeding sheet or signature to hold the latter in feeding position and against separating movement with the first sheet or signature. It will be understood that the fingers I63 may, if desired, be cam'operated into and out of engagement with the supply 32- in timed relation with the operation of the separating devices 61.

In the illustrated embodiment, each signature extracted from the supply 32 is carried downwardly and forwardly with its closed or folded edge leading by grippers I29 and drum I26 to the low point of said drum and there delivered, when released by said grippers, into a horizontally disposed reversing panel I 86 (Figs. 1 and 2) which is supported in any suitable manner on the frame members I0, II and provided with a plurality of transversely spaced, longitudinally adjustable signature stops I 8I. Each signature delivered into panel I is moved forwardly therealong by suitable means (not shown) until the closed or folded leading edge thereof engages stops I8I, thereby locating the opposite openable edge of said signature in a predetermined position, i. e. substantially at the low point of drum I26, for action thereon of well-known mechanical gripper-type signature transfer means indicated generally at 182.

As shown, the signature transfer means I82 comprise a drum or cylinder in the form of two transversely spaced-disks I83 (Figs. 1 and 2) which are secured to and rotated by shaft 21 and are of the same diameter as disks I21 to enable handling of two signatures upon each complete revolution thereof. Pivotally mounted at I84 on each disk I83 are two diametrically opposed sets of long and short grippers I85 and I86, respectively, which cooperate with gripper pads or seats I81 and I 88, respectively, that are secured to or formed integrally with said disk at opposite sides and adjacent the periphery thereof. The' long grippers I85 are adapted to grip the entire thickness of each signature, that is both halves thereof, at its openable edge, while the short grippers I86 are adapted to grip only the extended lap or lower half of said signature. Preferably, the seats I81 and I88 for grippers I85 and I86, respectively, are so arranged that each seat I81 is looatedsubstantially in alignment with the periphery of its respective disk I83, and each seat I88 is located below the periphery of its respective disk I83, as shown in Fig. 2. In this manner, when the signature is gripped at its openable edge by grippers I85 and I86, the upper or short half of said signature will remain substantially in alignment with the peripheries of disks I83, whereas the lower or lap half of said signature will be bent or deflected downwardly at the gripper location away from the upper half, thus creating a space or gap between the two halves and opening of grippers I85 and I86 at predetermined intervals and at predetermined points in the path of rotation of disks I83 is effected by suitable mechanisms (not shown) which are similar to the mechanisms hereinbefore described for operating the grippers I29 of the signature withdrawing means I26.

Thus, after each signature is delivered into panel I80 and the folded edge thereof is engaged with stops I8I, and while said signature is momentarily at rest in said panel, two transversely aligned long grippers I85 will grip both halves of the signature at the openable edge thereof and two transversely aligned short grippers I86 will grip the lower or lap half only of said signature during rotationof disks I83 in the direction of the arrow (Fig. 1). Accordingly, the signature is drawn from panel I80 in a rearwardly and downwardly direction and with the openable edge thereof now leading.

When disks I83 and grippers I85, I86 have rotated approximately a quarter of a revolution from the signature gripping point at which time the openable edge of the signature gripped by said grippers is located directly above the saddletype conveyor-I89 (Fig. 1), the two transversely aligned long grippers I85 are opened, thus releasing the outer or short half of the signature. Thereupon, as disks I83 continue to rotate and while the inner or lap half of the signature is still gripped by the lap grippers I86 and carried downwardly and forwardly to one side of the saddle conveyor I89, the released outer or short half of said signature travels over and along two transversely spaced, thin, plow-like fingers I90 which have been previously swung upwardly and entered into the spaces between the signature halves created by the lap grippers I86 as previously described.

When the outer or short half of the signature has moved downwardly along fingers 190 a suitable distance to insure proper engagement therewith, said fingers are swung downwardly a suitable distance away from disks I83 and substantially at the same surface speed as the surface speed of downward travel of the signature, thereby diverting the outer or short half of the signature away from the lap half thereof and to the opposite side of the saddle conveyor I89. Thereupon, the fingers I90 are swung rapidly out of engagement with the outer half of the signature, the-lap grippers I86 are opened to release the lap half of said signature and the latter drops in opened condition on the saddle conveyor I89. Any suitable means may be provided for holding the signatures in contact with disks I83 during the transfer and opening operations. The above-described signature transfer, opening and depositing operations are repeated for each signature delivered into panel I80.

Fingers I90 which constitute a signature openlng device are secured to or formed integrally with arms I 9I (Figs. 1 and 2) which are fixed on a transversely extending rock shaft I92. The latter is located directly opposite the shaft 21 and is joumalled in suitable bearings in frame members I0, II. Shaft I92 is rocked at predetermined intervals to swing fingers I90 into and out of signature opening position once during each cycle of operation of the insetting machine unit and in the manner hereinbefore described by a double ea'm I93 (Fig. 2) which; is secured to one side of the idler gear 28 for rotation thereby. Cam I93 engages a roller I94 which is journalled at I95 on the arm I96 of a double armed lever I91 the other arm of which is indicated at I98. Lever I91 is pivotally mounted on a stud I99 which is secured in any suitable manner in the frame member II and projects inwardly therefrom to receive. said leve'r. Roller I94 is maintained in engagement with cam I93 by a spring-pressed rod 290 having one end pivotally connected at 20I- with arm I98 of lever I91 and the opposite end guided in a suitable opening formed in a. post 202 secured in any suitable manner in frame member II. The spring 203 for rod 200 encircles the latter between post 202 and a collar 204 adjustably secured on said rod. Pivotally connected at 205 with arm I98 of lever I91 is one end of a connecting rod 206 the opposite end of which is pivotally connected at 201 with the free end of an arm 208 that is fixed on shaft I92. Thus, fingers I90 are moved upwardly into signature opening position by cam I93, and are moved downwardly by spring-pressed rod 200 to divert the short half of the signature away from the lap half thereof once during each cycle of operation of the insetting machine unit.

The saddle conveyor I89 is of well-known con struction, needing no detail description herein, except to say that its purpose is to advance the signature deposited thereon in open condition one upon another from the various units to a stitching mechanism for binding the assembled signatures together to form a book or magazine.

It will be noted that the sheet feeder ofthe present invention has been illustrated and described herein with more or less particularity as embodied in a signature handling machine of the insetting type for feeding signatures one after another from the supply to devices in said machine that act to open the successive signatures and deposit them in open condition on a saddle conveyor. While this may be a preferred embodiment of the novel sheet feeder, said feeder is equally adaptable without modification. for embodiment in signature handling machines of the fiat gathering type for feeding signatures one after another from the supply and depositing the same in flat unopened condition on the troughlike conveyor of said machine; and for association with a printing press or other machine to feed plain unfolded sheets of various materials from the supply to a. conveyor or other instrumentality substituted for the reversing panel I for presentation thereby to said press or machine.

There is thus provided a novel sheet feeder which is capable of feeding plain or folded sheets at high speed to printing presses, signature handling machines, or other machines acting on such sheets. The forwardly inclined on-edge arrangement of the supply of sheets or signatures eliminates the problem of maintaining a. continuous supply of sheets or signatures in the feeder so that feeding of sheets or signatures may continue without interruption -'for reloading purposes in that the supply is free of any rear supporting means or follower and thus may be replenished with additional sheets or signatures at the rear thereof while sheets or signatures are being fed from the front of the supply. The feeder employs a novel method and means for relieving the foremost sheet or signature of the pressure of the supply and all frictional drag and resistance thereon upon withdrawal thereof, thereby facilitating withdrawal of the successive foremost signatures or sheets and without displacing the 17 next or succeeding sheet or signature. The feeder also includes suction'separating devices of novel construction and operation whereby proper engagement of said devices with a marginal portion of the foremost sheet or signature and accurate separation of said sheet or signature athlgh speed is always assured, thereby reducing to a minimum or substantially eliminating feeder failures and obtaining a high output of fed sheets or signatures.

Although only a Single embodiment of the present invention is herein illustrated and described, it is to be expressly understood that the same is not limited to said embodiment or to the specific type of equipment disclosed. It is also to be expressly understood that, as indicated by the above description, the term sheet as hereinafter employed is intended to apply to a plain unfolded sheet or to a sheet that is folded one or more times. Various changes may be made in the mechanical details, some of which have been suggested in the foregoing description, and in the design and arrangement of the parts illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the separating and withdrawing means may be arranged for extraction of the sheets or signatures upwardly out of the hopper, or laterally out of the hopper at either side thereof. Also, auxiliary fixed front abutments may be provided to aid the pushers in supporting the supply of sheets or signatures in forwardly inclined position. For a definition of the limits of the invention reference is had primarily to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sheet feeder having means for supporting a supply of sheets standing on-edge one behind another, the combination of means for separating the lower transverse marginal edge portion of the foremost sheet from the supply and comprising a sucker housing, a stem mounted in said housing for yielding sliding movement relative thereto and extending through one end thereof toward the supply, and a suction cup mounted on the end of said stem, and means to mount and actuate said housing, stem and cup for swinging movement rearwardly and forwardly toward and away from the supply and for swinging movement upwardly and downwardly comprising a transverse rock shaft, an arm fixed on said shaft and extending forwardly therefrom, a pair of links having the upper ends thereof pivotally connected with said arm at difierent points spaced radially from the axis of said rock and means for relieving the inherent weight of the supply upon said foremost sheet during the withdrawal thereof, said last named means comprising a pairof spaced parallel shafts extending transversely of the supply above the same and spaced forwardly from the front face thereof, parallel levers on said pair of shafts and extending downwardly therefrom, a link pivotally connected to lower end portions of said levers, a transversely extending bar mounted on said link, a plurality of elongated supply engaging pusher members carried by said bar and inclined forwardly from the vertical, cam means for rocking one of said shafts and said levers in one direction prior to withdrawaiof the foremost sheet from the supply whereby said pusher members are moved rearwardly and the front portion of the supply is rearwardly displaced thereby, and resilient means under the control of said cam means for rocking. the said one shaft and said levers in the opposite direction simultaneously with the withdrawal of the foremost sheet from the supply whereby said pusher members are rapidly moved forwardly away from the rearwardly displaced front portion of the supply.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said pusher members terminate at their lower ends above the lower edge of the sheet supply, and comprising suction sheet separating devices pivotally mounted on said pusher members for gripping thelower marginal portion of the foremost sheet and bending said portion away from the supply about said pusher ends into position for operative engagement by said withdrawing means, and means for swinging said suction devices toward and away from the supply when said pusher members have been moved rearwardly and the front portion of the supply has been rearwardly displaced thereby.

'4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, comprising rollers rotatably mounted on said pusher members at the lower ends thereof and about the peripheries of which bending of the lower marginal portion of the foremost sheet away from the supply by said suction devices is effected.

- LEONARD BAKER.

WALTER E. SCHNEIDER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

